Foça is one of the most important centers amongst the 12 Ion cities, established at Aegean coasts by Ions. Foça, besides its historical and archeological importance, is a mythological settlement whose name is mentioned in Homeros epic.

Antic Foça city, included by 12 Ion union, is at the Aiolis region. Foça, who took Antic city Phokaia name from "seals", was an important harbor and had an important naval forces at their era. Foça, had established colonies in cities at eastern costs of Marsala and Spain, Velia near Pastum and Alain of Corsica with its naval fleet. Foça had lived Persia, Alexander the Great, Genevians and Ottoman eras.

Phokaia city, which had entered into development period, beginning from 7th century B.C., had shown great improvement in sailing according to "Father of History", Heredot. Phokaians, who were using fast ships with 50 shovels and 500 passenger transportation power, were the first Helens who went for long sea voyage. They have introduced Adriatic Etruria, İberia and Tartessos to Helen world.